Installing a heat-reflecting screen behind the radiator

Many homeowners find that keeping their homes warm and energy-efficient becomes more important as the seasons change and the temperature changes. Radiator placement and insulation are two aspects of home heating that are frequently disregarded. Although radiators are a necessary source of warmth in the winter, improper insulation can cause heat loss from them as well. Installing a heat-reflecting screen behind the radiator is one practical solution that is becoming more and more popular.

So what is a heat-reflecting screen and how does it function exactly? In essence, it is a reflective panel that is positioned behind the radiator to stop heat from escaping through the wall. This easy upgrade can greatly increase the efficiency of your heating system by reflecting heat back into the space rather than letting it escape through the wall. It works on a similar principle to how light is reflected from a mirror, but in this instance, the light is heat.

Installing a heat-reflecting screen can improve your radiator system’s performance without requiring any significant changes, which is one of its main advantages. A heat-reflecting screen can be an affordable way to increase energy efficiency because it is simple to install as opposed to costly upgrades or intricate installations. Moreover, it’s a do-it-yourself project that doesn’t call for any specialized knowledge or equipment.

A heat-reflecting screen can assist in more evenly dispersing heat throughout the space in addition to decreasing heat loss and increasing energy efficiency. You can make a room more comfortable without turning up the thermostat by rerouting heat away from the wall and back into the living area. This can be especially helpful in rooms with inadequate insulation or a tendency to feel colder.

Materials for heat shield

Retailers typically stock foil foam in short roll lengths. Here, the material layer can be as thick as 3 millimeters, and for foamed polyethylene, it can be as thick as 4 millimeters. These materials’ thermal insulation qualities are comparable to those of an insulation layer made of mineral wool that is 100 millimeters thick.

One significant consideration when installing a heat reflective screen is the 4 mm minimum distance that separates the inner wall from the radiator section of the battery’s rib. A smaller distance will prevent or interfere with the flow of warm air, which will affect the conveectivity of heat exchange and the radiator’s efficiency.

Sometimes installing a complete heat-reflecting screen is not feasible if the radiator is mounted on the wall. The solution to this problem is to attach aluminum foil to the wall; its glossy surface effectively manages heat reflection. A single sheet of this material can cut the radiator’s heat loss by up to 35 percent when it is placed on a typical brick wall (assuming the wall is 51 centimeters thick).

The numerous approaches that have been demonstrated to be successful in removing excessive heat energy from the radiator above can be considered. Use the aforementioned to make your apartment as comfortable as possible if it starts to get too hot.

1 Heat-reflecting screen maximum effect at minimum cost

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The majority of residential buildings and apartments have radiators placed beneath the window openings. The portion of the wall directly behind them is constantly the most heated. This area can get as hot as 35–40°, according to experts. In essence, valuable heat is lost when heating the building’s exterior wall rather than raising the temperature inside the space.

Installing a heat shield on the wall section directly behind the radiator is a simple solution to the problem of heat loss.

When the radiator is placed in a niche, even more heat loss is seen. It has a thinner surface than a wall. which implies that a significant amount of cold air enters the rooms through it. There is no doubt that this situation can’t continue. It’s not necessary, either. Installing a heat shield on the wall section directly behind the radiator is an elegant and simple solution to the problem of heat losses.

Our object of interest is a heat-reflecting one that does more than just retain heat. Additionally, it shields the batteries from moisture and dust that might enter through tiny cracks in the wall. Factory-made heat-reflective screens have a nice appearance. This allows them to be used to adorn the ugly portions of the wall located behind the radiators.

How to make the radiators warmer – some simple tips

Write "How to make the batteries warmer – some simple tips" to summer homes and apartments.

What should be done if the batteries don’t heat the apartment to a temperature that is comfortable? Of course, you can replace the heating radiators or call a plumber, but it is best to attempt resolving this issue on your own using low-cost, straightforward techniques first.

Battery cleaning

The heat transfer coefficient can be somewhat increased by doing something as easy as cleaning the battery. The problem lies in the fact that the accumulated layer of dirt and dust adversely affects radiator heating, decreasing its efficiency.

It’s also important to make sure the battery’s various sections are heated to the same temperature. The battery is most likely clogged from the inside out if one or more compartments have temperatures that are noticeably different from the others. In this situation, you should contact a professional at home who will use specialized equipment to clean the battery and get the hot water circulation back to normal.

Increasing the area of the battery

By expanding the battery’s surface area, you can raise the heat output and accelerate the rate at which the space warms up. The heat will disperse more evenly throughout the space. Here are some ways you can go about doing this: Cover the central heating radiator with a metal cover that is bigger than the radiator itself.

Regarding the metal plate’s composition, aluminum should be your first priority due to its high thermal conductivity indicators.

Artificial air circulation

Installing a fan near the radiators will provide the best air circulation and stop warm air from cooling down before it reaches the farther reaches of the room, allowing it to enter the room more quickly.

Insulation of the wall behind the radiator

This approach is thought to be the most successful, and when combined with the others, it can produce amazing results. Because the majority of the heat will be absorbed into the cold wall, the greater the temperature differential between the radiator and the wall behind it, the more heat loss there will be. Since central heating radiators are typically found under windows on the outside walls of buildings—which are known to be the coldest—this is a fairly common issue. The wall behind the radiator needs to be insulated in order for heat to escape into the space rather than into the wall.

Insulation can be made of a variety of materials, such as regular corrugated cardboard covered in foil, foamed polystyrene, isolon, or polyrex.

Svetlana Vasilyeva sent it. September 15, 2017, 21:40:44

Principle of operation and design features

Heat reflective screens are made from a variety of materials. Their low heat conductivity is their primary characteristic. To start with, these consist of:

  1. Foil;
  2. Foam foil;
  3. Porilex with foil.

You can use porilex for insulation against heat.

Additionally, every screen has an insulating layer. Metallized tape is used to accomplish sealing. The maximum value of the heat conductivity coefficient is 0.05 W/m*°C. There should be a heat-retaining layer between the foil and the wall. One way to make heat-reflecting screens is with rolled foam.

The most common type of foam is polyethylene due to its low cost. The side with insulation against the walls and the foil against the pipes is how it is installed. The ideal situation is for there to be an air layer beneath the screen, which will raise the room’s temperature.

Screens can be used to protect stoves from heat in addition to being an energy-saving device.

This is particularly crucial for sauna and steam room finishing. Because the stove increases the risk of a fire, it’s critical to insulate the walls to prevent overheating.

Stove thermal protection is achieved with basalt cardboard.

For these screens, mineralite and stainless steel are utilized. The specifications state that they must be made in a variety of sizes, have naturally non-combustible material inside, and have edges that curve to a specific degree. Usually, cardboard made of basalt is used for this. The heat-reflecting screen is suspended from the ceiling and placed behind the stove. Two layers are used to install minerite. As a result, there is less space between the stove and the protected surface.

Brickwork in bathhouses has been successfully replaced with front screens. They are also used to heat nearby rooms and increase the temperature. The steel sheet needs to be at least 0.8 mm thick. The screens can be coated with specialized silica paint. Usually, hollow box-shaped components are used to assemble them. A thermal gap needs to exist between the screen and the stove. Fixing elements such as ceramic bushings can be employed.

For improved safety and thermal insulation in the steam room, place aluminum foil underneath the wooden covering on the walls. The installation of the wood paneling is then completed. Adhesive tape seals the joints between the layers. Seams are sealed with aluminum-bitumen tape. In the event that the furnace’s exterior walls are not hotter than 400 degrees Celsius, convection screens may be employed.

Because the screens shield the wood from hot, humid steam and high temperatures, they also lessen the impact of wood deterioration in the sauna and bathhouse. Installation needs to be done directly across from the stove’s stone radiation.

Stages of installation

When installing the heat-reflecting screen correctly, it should be placed on the back side of the radiator and then fixed to the wall with a minimum 4-millimeter gap.

This is thought to be the ideal distance for both reflective function and high-quality air heating.

The process of installing a heat shield consists of multiple steps.

Among them are:

  1. At the first stage, the necessary tools and materials are prepared. These include: foil insulation, cassette knife, tape measure, ruler, construction mixes for leveling the walls, trowel, materials or elements for fixing the heat-reflecting screen on the wall behind the radiator, adjustable wrench.
  2. At the second stage, the radiator is removed and the surface of the wall is leveled, on which the sheet of foil insulation will be installed.
  3. Measuring of the niche under the window and cutting of the heat-reflecting screen taking into account small allowances. Its size should be larger than the area of the radiator. The best option is the simultaneous insulation of the lower part of the window sill. When making this decision, the size of the screen should correspond to the total area of the niche and the surface under the window.
  4. Marking and cross cuts with a cassette knife on the places of holes for radiator fasteners.
  5. The next stage involves placing the insulation on the surface of the wall in the niche, its leveling and ensuring a tight fit over the entire surface of the wall. At the same time, it should be remembered that the foil layer of polymer material should be directed towards the radiator.
  6. Fixing of the heat-reflecting screen in the absence of self-adhesive base is carried out with the help of special adhesive composition, liquid nails, stapler, double-sided tape. The use of screws with dowels is considered the most reliable way of fixing the insulation to the wall behind the radiator. Their placement around the perimeter and across the entire area of the cloth in a staggered order excludes the appearance of wavy areas of the screen. If the insulation material comes out at the corners of the window sill, it is recommended to trim the material according to the necessary dimensions.
  7. Installation of the heater in place is considered the final stage of installation of the heat-reflecting screen behind the radiator.

By taking these easy steps and taking advantage of foil insulation’s low cost, you can lower heat loss, stop moisture and steam from building up on the wall behind the radiator, raise the room’s temperature, and save money on heating. Installing a heat-reflecting screen is a sensible, affordable fix that the people of the nation should logically pay attention to.

This is fascinating: a thorough classification with the benefits and drawbacks of various models

Watch this video to learn how to install a heat reflective screen behind a radiator and its effectiveness, provided by an expert:

Installing foil insulation behind the radiator step by step

  • Remove the radiator and prepare the wall.

  • Take foil insulation with the size slightly exceeding the parameters of the niche.

  • Apply it to the wall so that the height and width of the insulation foil are slightly offset. It is very good when the foil insulation completely covers the bottom of the window sill.

  • Mark the places of holes for radiator fasteners. Be precise – use a tape measure and a construction level for this purpose. Make the holes with a cassette knife – cut out a cross with it.

  • Put the insulation on the radiator mounts and press the material tightly against the wall. Go over the isolon to flatten it, paying special attention to the corner areas. The insulation should be as close to the wall as possible.

We now proceed to the foil insolon repair. For this, use screws and dowels. Multiple fasteners spaced a specific distance apart are sufficient for additional fixation:

  • Use a drill to drill a hole for a dowel rod. Take a piece with a small diameter.

  • Insert the dowel into the hole and then use a screw. The dowel must enter the wall completely.

  • Once again, trim the material, making sure to go over all the curves of the insulation well. If the insulation goes beyond the boundaries of the right or left corner, cut it with a cassette knife.

You can trim the material slightly on the side without foil to ensure that the insulator fits snugly against the bottom of the window sill. It will be simple to bend the material and securely cover the corner with a 1-2 mm recess.

Enjoy the warmth by hanging the radiator!

Using this algorithm doesn’t require any specialized knowledge. Use double-sided tape or glue instead of dowels and screws if you don’t want to work with them.

Recall that installing the screen will raise the living room’s temperature and result in significant cost savings on heating, including gas and electric appliances, radiators, and other items. The structure will last for many years, and the cost of the isolon and auxiliary materials will be quickly recovered.

Please contact us at +38 (098) 609-53-93 or +38 (093) 246-22-24 to make product purchases and receive advice on this path.

Installing Izospan

Correct mounting of the reflective screen necessitates positioning it behind the radiator and maintaining a gap of 4 to 5 cm between the material’s surface and the heater.

Reduced gap size will prevent the required air convection from occurring. Additionally, there will be a noticeable drop in the reflection coefficient the farther the screen is from the battery surface.

Izospan FL or FL Termo metallic adhesive tape is used to adhere all of the reflective screen’s joints together.

Recall that thermal insulation is a multi-phase, intricate measure that will not allow for savings and high-quality heating with just a reflective screen:

  1. Insulation of exterior walls;
  2. Floors and floors;
  3. Quality selection of materials for the wall;
  4. Installation of windows with thermal insulation;
  5. Installation of quality thermal and vapor insulation.

In addition to Izospan, other materials like Penofol (Russian) and Alufom (Ukrainian) can also be used to increase the heater’s efficiency.

These heat reflectors are based on aluminum foil that is bonded to a flexible substance (foam) with a thickness ranging from 2 mm to 1 cm.

Why foil is needed

Compared to other metals, polished aluminum has a higher heat radiation reflection coefficient.

This implies that the room will regain its maximum heat.

It is not advisable to use shields with a double-sided metal backing.

There is nothing for the foil layer on the cold wall side to reflect, so it has no functional load.

In the building markets, dishonest vendors mislead consumers by claiming to have amazing new metallized coatings.

Heat radiation are refracted by any polished metal, but thermal efficiency is unaffected by the reflection coefficient, which is minuscule.

Aluminum foil thermo-reflective screens are more expensive per square meter than metallized film.

The 5–10 ruble difference is negligible.

Benefits of a screen that reflects heat

Types of reflective materials

A variety of materials can be used to create heat-reflecting screens behind radiators, which reduce losses and allow batteries to operate at an average 20% higher efficiency. The temperature of the house rises by roughly two to three degrees.

The following materials are frequently used to create heat-reflecting screens that are located behind radiators.

Paper-plastic foil (FSP).

It’s an adhesive-side insulating material that can be replicated with aluminum foil. Its foundation is polyethylene foam that has polished aluminum foil laminated to one side. A unique moisture-resistant adhesive on the reverse side enables the material to be firmly attached to brick, concrete, metal, or wood walls.

The base’s foamed polyethylene provides effective thermal insulation. Polyethylene’s closed cellular structure makes it capable of absorbing relatively little moisture. Soundproofing, which enables the material to be used as a sound insulator, is another unquestionable benefit. Because of its long service life, environmental friendliness, and resistance to rot, this material is frequently used to furnish homes.

The outer layer, made of aluminum foil, has exceptional reflection properties that reach up to 98%. The foil plaster prevents heat radiation from passing through it. Furthermore, this foil offers good vapor protection.

The adhesive is a unique synthetic rubber layer that is sticky and moisture-resistant, with strong adherence to a variety of materials.

The following characteristics of FSP, which is made in rolls with a silicone film covering the adhesive layer, are listed in the table below.

Thickness of foil plastic 10/8/5/4/4/3/2 mm
Roll length 10 – 50 meters
Roll width 1 meter

The material is available in the market in the following modifications: SP2 – SP10 (varying thickness). In the table, parameters are shown.

Operating temperatures Percentage of thermal reflection coefficient Thermal conductivity coefficient (W/m*grade) Specific heat capacity (kJ/kg*grade) Vapor permeability
-60/+100 97 0,038 – 0,051 1,95 0

FSPMP, or foil-plastic SPMP.

In this instance, a lavsan film covers the aluminum foil to shield it from oxidation and outside factors. A good heat-reflective screen is FSPMP.

Regarding this material, the side facing the foil is devoid of an adhesive layer.

One side of a polyethylene foam layer is laminated with lavsan film.

Various types of foam can be used to create a heat-reflecting screen that is located behind the radiator.

Rules for selecting a reflector

You can save 5 percent of heat, or roughly 1 degree Celsius, if you prefer Penofol or Alufom. Furthermore, keep in mind that the pre-made screen is not sold, so you will need to install it yourself.

Metal foil, a unique substance, is purchased from a store and cut into the necessary size pieces.

Such a reflective screen will perform worse if you purchase a material with an aluminum-sprayed lavsan base.

You can also use a lighter to simply light the material for the screen to see if it is made of foil or not. If it does not melt, then the material is not actually made of foil.

Foil insulation material types and technical characteristics

We advise you to focus on isolon in particular. Other reflective insulators include foil-plastic, foam foil, and others.

However, utilizing them for fixing behind the radiator has significant drawbacks. So let’s concentrate on isolone as a material that advances. NPE (non-cross-linked gas-filled) and PPE (cross-linked with closed cells) are the two varieties available. Although both have respectable parameters, RPE is still superior. These insulators’ technical specs (in parentheses, NPE):

  • thickness: 1-50 mm (1-16 mm);
  • density: 30-200 kg/m3 (19-35 kg/m3);
  • thermal conductivity: 0.031-0.041 W/m-K (0.036 W/m-K);
  • Sound absorption: up to 68% (3-13%);
  • temperature range: -60…+100°C (-80…+80°C);
  • water absorption: up to 1% (up to 0.2%);
  • vapor absorption: up to 0.001 mg/(m-h-Pa) (same value);
  • shelf life: approximately 90 years (the same amount);
  • heat reflectivity: reflects 95-97%, radiates 3-5% (similar for NPE).

In the house, both materials are utilized.

Products that reflect heat from various companies vary slightly from one another. Let’s examine the potential of foil materials using Isospan screens as an example. Domestic consumers have a particular demand for these products. Isospan offers a variety of heat-reflecting devices in the construction market.

  • FX. The function of heat insulator is performed by polyethylene foam, and the role of reflective film is played by lavsan coating.
  • FS. Products with polypropylene (PP) non-woven base to which polypropylene metallized film is attached.
  • FD. FS model analog. But the thermal insulator is made of woven PP fabric.

Products made by various companies that reflect heat vary slightly from one another.

Experts advise making use of Izospan FX. It is reasonably priced, free of hazardous and toxic substances, and does not warp when heated. But, Isospan, you can also use other varieties. I promise that using them will have an equally positive impact. It should be immediately noted that heat-reflective films from other manufacturers come with decent performance characteristics by default. Izospane obsession is not necessary.

On what depends on the level of heat output of the heating battery

You must become familiar with the factors influencing the efficiency of the apartment’s central heating radiator in order to comprehend the basic workings of the various techniques for raising the output of heat.

Broadly speaking, the radiator’s heat transfer efficiency is determined by the following factors:

  • material from which it is made;
  • the number of sections, which affects the heat transfer area;
  • type of piping around the radiator;
  • the speed of circulation of the coolant;
  • water heating level.

The heating battery linked to the circuit does not operate to its full potential for other indirect reasons as well. These are:

  1. formation of air plugs;
  2. clogging of radiators from the inside with solder, scale or limescale;
  3. use of decorative boxes;
  4. applying multiple layers of paint to the radiator;
  5. External dust contamination of the radiator.

Installing a heat-reflecting screen behind your radiator can significantly enhance the efficiency of your heating system and improve the comfort of your home. By placing this reflective barrier between the radiator and the wall, you prevent heat from being absorbed by the wall and instead direct it back into the room. This simple yet effective measure reduces heat loss through the wall and ensures that more warmth is distributed evenly throughout the space. Not only does this help to lower heating costs by maximizing the effectiveness of your heating system, but it also creates a cozier environment, particularly in rooms prone to feeling chilly. With easy installation and minimal cost, adding a heat-reflecting screen is a smart investment for any homeowner looking to enhance their home"s energy efficiency and comfort during the colder months.

Isospan screen material

Many manufacturers make a special material "Izospan", which reflects heat energy. Such screens are placed on the back side of the radiator and attached to the wall. When the screen is installed, the metallized part comes into contact with the radiator and the heat energy goes inside the room. When laying this material, it is necessary to maintain a distance of 4 centimeters from the radiator, so that the air has the opportunity to circulate properly. All the seams of the screen are closed with metallized scotch tape. That is, installation of the heat-reflecting screen from "Izospan" does not differ from other materials. If only foil is used as a screen, it will not help to save money on heating, because for the full result, it is necessary to carry out complex work:

  • insulate the walls from the outside;
  • perform the same actions with floors and ceilings;
  • materials should be of high quality;
  • install insulating windows;
  • arrange a quality arrangement of thermal insulation.

Using a heat screen

The apartment is made comfortable by the way heat from a hot radiator spreads out in all directions. By using a specialized thermal screen, you can prevent heat leakage of up to 20 percent and effectively lower the battery’s excessive temperature. The battery, which is positioned in a niche, heats the street in addition to the apartment and the outside wall.

A unique type of thermal insulation material positioned between the wall and the heating radiator can be used to install a thermal screen.

A "life-hack" like this will endow the heating system with some very beneficial attributes:

  • ensuring thermal insulation of walls;
  • Prevention of excessive heat transfer resulting from differences in street and room temperatures;
  • Providing an effect in which the heat from the heater is reflected into the depths of the room;
  • Achievement of even distribution of heat output, protection against battery overheating.

A foil backing is present in a variety of heat-insulating materials used to make screens. Due to their superior thermal insulation properties, a unique combination of materials, such as foil and foam or polyethylene foam, can effectively block heat energy. About 90% of the heat is reflected by the foil in this device, which also prevents heat loss and aids in uniform heat distribution throughout the space.

Improving air convection

Using the laws of convection is one of the easiest ways to help people understand how to manually increase the heat output of the heating pipe. Radiators in apartments are frequently obscured by thick curtains, covered by decorative boxes, or blocked by furniture. Even with the central heating system operating at maximum efficiency, all these components obstruct air circulation, making it challenging to attain a comfortable temperature in the space.

Making the most of the area surrounding the radiator is essential to maximizing air flow rates.

The air heated by the radiator will circulate freely throughout the space and heat it to the maximum extent possible given its capacity if there are no obstructions in its path.

Using an electric fan to improve convection

Owners are aware that the speed at which air circulates has an impact on the battery’s heat output because they are familiar with the physical laws that govern the design of the heating sewerage water supply in houses. Over a given amount of time, the more quickly the air in the room circulates, the more heat it can remove from the radiator.

It is possible to install electric fans close to the radiators to enhance natural convection. Models with minimal electricity consumption and silence should be given priority. A specific angle between the fan and the radiator is required for mounting. This easy technique works very well. The room’s temperature can rise by a few degrees as a result.

Arrangement of a reflective screen

Foil for heating batteries can be used as a tool to increase the output of heat, directing the flow of heat energy into the space. Heat from radiators without a reflective screen disperses in all directions, including against the chilly exterior walls. The screen aids in concentrating heat flow and raising the room’s temperature.

The screen’s design is defined by its accessibility and simplicity. It ought to be mounted on a spotless wall behind the radiator, with a surface area greater than the radiators. Use foil-isolon, a unique material with a foam base on one side and reflective foil covering the other, in place of foil. Mounting the screen to the wall should be done with any high-quality construction adhesive.

Blowing out radiators

A central heating radiator may eventually blow out or get clogged in hard conditions. Poor coolant circulation and the emergence of cold sections coincide with such alterations. Blowing out heating radiators is an easy and affordable way to boost heat output by clearing air congestion and blockages.

There are various purging techniques that employ various kinds of equipment:

  • hydraulic purging;
  • cleaning with chemical solutions or soda ash;
  • pneumohydroimpulsive flushing;
  • individual cleaning.

You can forget about the cold and discomfort in your apartment by using one or more radiator blowing techniques to improve the efficiency of the radiators.

It is important to keep in mind that a central heating system consists of an intricate system of pipes and radiators.

Because of this, it is advisable to engage in some battery blowing activities with your neighbors; otherwise, after a few weeks of operation, the cleaned sections will once again produce less heat. You can read more about the precise procedures for cleaning the heating system.

It is possible to maximize the advantages of using a central heating system and boost the heat output of any kind of radiator by adhering to easy-to-follow guidelines. The most sensible way to address the issue of inadequate heat dissipation is to employ complex techniques, which will enable the owner to achieve effective heating device operation in his home.

installation recommendations

The wall behind the heater is where the screen is mounted.

In the direction of the heat source, the reflective layer unfurls.

To avoid obstructing heat exchange, it’s crucial to keep the foil and radiator from coming into contact. Whereas foreign manufacturers require a minimum of 4-6 centimeters, Russian manufacturers believe that a gap of 1-2 centimeters is sufficient.

While foreign manufacturers require a minimum of 4-6 centimeters, Russian manufacturers consider a gap of 1-2 centimeters to be sufficient.

The thermal insulation barrier includes the air gap.

Air has a thermal conductivity that varies with temperature and is between 0.0259 and 0.0915 W/(m*K).

Installing a heat-reflecting screen behind a radiator that is mounted near the wall is pointless. Although closely spaced insulation actively gathers dust, it has no effect on convection.

Ideally, a space between the heating system and the wall should be allowed for during the design phase.

You will then have more space to move around.

Installing thermal reflective screens: some recommendations

4 Installation of foils behind radiators simple sequence of actions

From a technological standpoint, installing the foil behind the heating radiator is simple. If you follow some advice, you will complete all of the work efficiently and well. First off, avoid purchasing matte-metallized materials. Only use foil that has been polished. Second, avoid purchasing double-sided movies. To guarantee good heat reflection, one air layer is more than sufficient. Thirdly, give the insulator layer a space of roughly 1.5 to 2 centimeters on both sides. Achieving the reflector’s ideal thermal resistance of 1.15 square meters.m*°C/W is essential.

From a technological perspective, installing the foil behind the heating battery is simple.

Prepare liquid nails or standard adhesive used for mounting wallpaper, as well as directly reflective foil, and proceed to its installation. The order of actions is as follows. First, carefully measure the dimensions of the wall areas where you plan to install the screen or niches. The parameters of the film should correspond to the projection of the radiator on the wall. To the result you add about 10% more. In this case, the heat-reflecting potential of the foil will be slightly greater. Some craftsmen say that extra centimeters are not necessary. The effect of them will be insignificant, but the edges of the screen sticking out from behind the radiator will greatly spoil the aesthetics of the room. Look for yourself, choose the option that suits you personally.

Next, ensure that the foil you plan to mount has a minimum of 1.5 cm of space left between it and the heating device. If there isn’t enough room, you’ll need to modify the radiator’s suspension to add the extra centimeters.

Then remove the radiator. Mark the locations of its fixing brackets. Dismantle them. Inspect the brick or concrete masonry of the wall surface. If there are gaps, cracks, other defects, plaster them (or putty). Level the wall, glue the screen (cover the back side with wallpaper or polymer composition). Instead of glue, as noted, it is allowed to use liquid nails. In some cases, it is allowed to use stapler staples or small nails to fix the foil (if they enter the wall material without any problems and are firmly held in it). Carefully return the hangers to their place and install the battery. Now your home will be warmer!

Furthermore, we will provide home craftsmen installing heat-reflecting products for the first time with some helpful advice. If the screen’s outer coating was damaged during installation, LAMS or LAS foils can be used to mask the damage. Since they are composed of foil, they don’t lessen heat reflection’s effectiveness. Avoid attempting to locate screens with excessive thickness. Experience has shown that a five-centimeter gap is sufficient to save heat in a home.

Alternative ways

The installation of a special valve is one alternative method to guard against overheating in the living room. With the help of this straightforward gadget, you can control the amount of heat energy that is supplied to the battery and store its value in ruble equivalent. For apartment owners, the economics principle takes on greater significance because the distribution of heat is contingent upon atmospheric conditions.

The current state of the sanitary appliance and device market enables you to purchase a unique protective screen that functions similarly to blinds. Such a screen reduces the risk of burns from overheated radiators and helps to lessen the amount of heat energy dispersed throughout the apartment with just one turn of the flaps. The ease of installation that comes with installing a louvered screen is another benefit of its straightforward design. It won’t take more than ten minutes to install this kind of equipment.

Making contact with the management company’s office is the most drastic method of reducing the amount of heat supplied to your apartment. By hiding the matching communal valve, this application will lessen the heat effect from the apartment radiator. If you are the only one in your apartment who needs to reduce the amount of heat that comes in, then this method is not a cure-all. Using this option will also have an impact on your neighbors, who might not even be hot.

Heat-reflecting screen made of polyethylene foam

The ability of various substances to conduct heat varies.

The heat reflective screen’s thermal conductivity should be as low as possible, not more than 0.05 W/(m*K), in order to minimize energy consumption.

Heat-reflective polyethylene foam screen

Using loosely constructed structures composed of flammable materials inside of buildings is not advised.

Mineral wool, for instance, releases tiny dust particles and formaldehydes, making it unsuitable for the screen.

Despite having a suitable thermal conductivity coefficient of 0, 039 W/(m*K).

The best heat-reflecting screens have been found to be those composed of insulating materials based on polyethylene foam:

  • foam,
  • porilex,
  • isolon,
  • styzol,
  • tepofol.

They are safe for human health and hypoallergenic.

The range of thermal conductivity for various kinds of polyethylene foam is 0.029 to 0.032 W/(m*K).

The heat retention of four millimeters of such a barrier is equivalent to ten centimeters of mineral wool.

Three to five millimeters of insulation between the wall and the heater should be sufficient.

Requirement: Aluminum must be used to replicate the thermal insulation screen behind the radiator.

2 From what materials are the reflectors made

They could be constructed, in theory, from any type of reflective material plus a heat-insulating material. One requirement needs to be followed. A minimum thermal conductivity index of up to 0.05 W/m*°C is required for the reflective material. Foil fits this requirement in full. However, it can’t be utilized by itself. The metallized product foil needs to be fastened to the wall. It will quickly begin to heat up and begin to transfer heat to the wall. As a result, creating a unique layer between the foil and the wall surface is imperative.

Crucial! More layer thickness is desired than for the metalized product.

Most frequently used in the production of heat insulators:

  • rolled foam;
  • foamed polyethylene (polyethylene foam).

Foam rolls are an inexpensive material. Its potential for thermal protection is also 1.5 times greater than that of mineral wool, a popular insulator. Polyethylene foam exhibits an efficiency of 2-2.5 times that of minwool. It has been demonstrated that 10 mm of mineral wool and 4 mm of foam offer equivalent levels of thermal insulation.

For the heat emanating from the radiator, you can construct your own reflector. To accomplish this, you will need to buy foil and heat-insulating material separately, then attach them with scotch tape. However, purchasing a prefabricated heat-reflecting product is simpler. They are made under the well-known brands Penofol, Alumofol, Porilex, and Isospan. Selecting the appropriate product at the right price is simple.

The simplest method

Cast iron radiators are the most effective way to heat living areas and are commonly found in typical apartments. Even so, these heaters have drawbacks, chief among which are their overly high cumulative energy output and absence of a thermoregulator. If your apartment has castiron radiators, you can think of ways to make them work as well as possible.

A regular blanket placed on the radiator’s planes is the easiest and most efficient way to stop a cast-iron radiator from dissipating too much heat. You can quickly cover the radiator with it in a matter of seconds. The first factor contributing to the potentially predictable skepticism of many Internet users is a lack of understanding of the scientific concepts taught in school.

One small negative consequence will be the room’s decreased humidity. Buying an air humidifier (which can use up to three liters of water a day in an average apartment) and a psychrometer, which measures the humidity in the space, will help you easily get rid of it.

Shutters should only be opened to allow for natural ventilation of the space; do not use them to lower the temperature in the room. If not, the extremely dry air in the apartment may have negative effects on the skin and nasopharynx. The amount of heat that escapes the room won’t drastically lower the temperature.

This advice’s reasoning stems from the physical reactions that take place when chilly outside air enters an apartment. As this low-humidity air enters the room through the vent, it warms up and loses some of its absolute humidification value. As a result, your breath and skin will contribute to the atmosphere in your apartment becoming more humid, depriving your body of necessary moisture.

Areas of application

Heat shielding materials have a wide range of applications because they offer a way to cut down on heat loss and save energy. Reflective screens can be installed behind radiators on a variety of construction objects for any kind of purpose.

Among them are:

  • multi-storey residential buildings;
  • cottages, villas, summer houses;
  • administrative, office buildings;
  • industrial, manufacturing, warehouse buildings;
  • Higher educational institutions, schools, kindergartens;
  • hospitals and medical centers.

This is fascinating! How to figure out how many radiator sections each room has

Increasing the area of the radiator

By adding a unique metal casing that is larger than the radiator itself, the radiator’s overall area can be increased.

The heat will be dispersed throughout the space more evenly as a result of the battery’s larger overall area. Moreover, the battery can have a neater appearance, which is crucial for older cast iron batteries.

Aluminum is the material that should be chosen first because it conducts heat most effectively and warms up the fastest. Use of materials that dissipate heat, like wood or plastic, is definitely discouraged.

Using materials that dissipate heat, like wood or plastic, is definitely not worth it.

Benefits 1. Increases heating efficiency by reflecting heat back into the room. 2. Reduces heat loss through walls. 3. Helps maintain a consistent room temperature.
Materials Needed 1. Heat-reflecting foil or sheet. 2. Tape measure. 3. Scissors or utility knife. 4. Adhesive or mounting brackets.

A smart way to increase the efficiency of your heating system is to install a heat-reflecting screen behind your radiator. You can direct more warmth into your living area and stop heat loss through the wall by installing a reflective barrier behind the radiator.

The capacity of a heat-reflecting screen to return heat to the space is one of its main advantages. In the absence of this barrier, the wall behind the radiator may absorb a large amount of the heat that it emits, particularly if the wall is outside. You can use less energy to keep the temperature more comfortably by reflecting this heat back into the space.

Additionally, installing a heat-reflecting screen is a reasonably easy and cost-effective way to increase your heating system’s efficiency. Most homeowners can use it because it doesn’t require extensive remodeling or technical know-how. A modest investment of time and materials will allow you to significantly improve your home’s energy efficiency.

Using a heat-reflecting screen can help to create a more comfortable living space in addition to saving energy and lowering heating expenses. During the winter, you can make your home feel cozier and more welcoming by adding extra heat to the space to prevent drafts and cold spots.

All things considered, adding a heat-reflecting screen behind your radiator is an easy yet efficient method to raise the comfort and efficiency of your house. Your living area will be cozier and your energy costs will go down if you can stop heat loss through the wall and reroute warmth inside. It’s a little investment that will pay off big time in the long run for the environment and your pocketbook.

Video on the topic

whether the foil behind the radiator works to insulate the room

Heat-reflective screen behind the radiator with your own hands

How to insulate a room with a heat-reflecting screen under the radiator of heating

Reflector under the radiator. Everything you need to know about it.

Mounting – heat-reflecting screen behind the radiator. Foil insulation behind the heating radiator

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Sergey Ivanov

I like to help people create comfort and comfort in their homes. I share my experience and knowledge in articles so that you can make the right choice of a heating and insulation system for your home.

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